English for Academic and

Professional Purposes
The Role of Language in Society
There are instances where we talk with a person with whom
we are not familiar. If this person responds to you, then there will be
a continuing conversation between you and that stranger. If he/she
does not, then it will be an embarrassing situation for you. However,
there might be another reason the stranger did not respond; for
example, perhaps what you were saying did not interest him/her. If
you happen to be in a place where you do not know anybody and
nobody is willing to talk to you, the atmosphere can become rather
strained. However, by talking about something interesting, for
example, the traffic condition while you were travelling, it is possible
to strike up a conversation with strangers without saying too many
things. A conversation of this kind is a good example of the social
function of language.
1. What maybe is the reason when in an instance that
you talk to a person unfamiliar to you, he/she does not
respond?
2. Though it is not stated, how can you better facilitate a
conversation with that person?
3. What other function does language have aside from
communicating ideas?
4. What is the central or main idea of the paragraph?
The Role of Language in Society
In the LRT, for example, one senior is offered a seat
by another senior who is a little younger. This gesture will
make two of them new acquaintances without further
introduction. Gesture speaks louder than words. Though
they will not be talking too much, their gestures will
indicate that this will be a good chance for them to start
a friendly relationship. This time, language is more of the
message than the medium.
1. What made the two seniors be acquainted without
saying words?
2. How was the friendly relationship between the two
started?
3. Explain why language becomes more of a message than
a medium.
4. Give the central or main idea of the paragraph.
The Role of Language in Society
A boy who came from the province experienced his first time
enrolling in a certain school in the city. At first, the boy felt that he
was alone. However, as he went in for his enrolment, he encountered
a lot of students waiting for their turn to be called. While waiting for
several hours, he noticed that he had been talking with a lot of
students about the hardships of enrolling in a big school, the
atmosphere, and the like. Before he knew it, he had already been
exchanging words about his whereabouts and many other things
about himself. Later, after he was done with his task, he and another
boy were already exchanging ideas and a lot more. The day passed,
and he had already gained a friend among the circuit of the many
students enrolling. This is the beauty of language in communication. It
can create friendship, bonds, and a good start of a good relationship.
1. How was the boy relieved from his feeling of being
alone?
2. Did he find it easy to win over a friend? How did he
do it?
3. What realization did the boy have after that
experience?
4. Identify the central or main idea of the paragraph.
Reaction Paper
A reaction paper is a discussion of one’s comments,
opinions, or ideas on certain information, scenario, event,
article or any other text. The writer of the reaction paper
must understand fully the main points expressed by the
author. It is from the author’s main points that the writer
(the reactor) will build a response paper by analyzing and
elaborating on the ideas and purpose of the author. After
identifying the author’s main ideas, the reactor, in
response, states his/her own ideas on the points claimed
by the author.
Reaction Paper
The process of writing a reaction paper will entail the
following:
1. Read and understand fully the article or selection.
2. Identify the major concepts in the article and choose
which to articulate in your paper.
3. Write down your initial reactions or questions as you
read.
4. Decide whether you agree or disagree with the points
presented by the author.
5. Explain why you think so and present how your claim
relates to similar knowledge.
6. Write a rough draft of your reaction in the following
format
Introduction
Body
Conclusion

7. Proofread your reaction paper. Then write the final

edition.
Review Paper
The purpose of a review paper is to inform. It
summarizes the current state of knowledge of a particular
topic. It may also present the current state of action
implemented to the recent progress of development of a
particular topic or policy.
The Critique Paper
A critique paper analyzes and evaluates the worth of
a piece of literature and/or of other art forms. The
purpose of a critique is not to inform but to analyze and
persuade readers and argue as to whether it is worth
reading.
The Critique Paper
A critique paper analyzes and evaluates the worth of
a piece of literature and/or of other art forms. The
purpose of a critique is not to inform but to analyze and
persuade readers and argue as to whether it is worth
reading.